Raby Castle volunteer crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2025

A loyal member of one of County Durham’s star attractions has been crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2025.

86-year-old Jimmy Nicol has been a volunteer at Raby Castle since 2018 and works as a
Room Steward, meeting and greeting visitors and sharing his vast knowledge about the
Castle.

He was nominated by a colleague at Raby Castle who highlighted his passion and energy as
well as the role he takes on as an ambassador, not only for Raby Castle and Gardens but
the whole of the North East.

After securing the most public votes in the annual competition, which is organised by Visit
County Durham, Durham County Council’s tourism service, Jimmy will now represent the
county in VisitEngland’s National Tourism Superstar contest.

Jimmy said: “This is fantastic, it is such an honour to win this award, I love Raby Castle, and
it is a pleasure to work there. I would also like to say well done to the other nominees.”

Cllr Lyndsey Fox, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships,
said: “Our tourism industry is incredibly important, and it is the work of people like Jimmy that
make Durham the amazing destination it is today. The value of the county’s visitor
economy was £1.38bn last year, attracting over 21 million people as well as supporting jobs
and encouraging investment. Durham Tourism Superstar is our chance to celebrate the
individuals at the heart of the industry and thank them for everything they do. Well done to
Jimmy, the other finalists and all those nominated.”

Jimmy was one of five finalists who were nominated for their commitment to the
organisations they represent. Along with Jimmy the shortlisted finalists were Andrew Ross
from Walking with the Ghosts of Durham, Glynn Hodgson from High Farm Holiday Park,
Tom Allen from Locomotion and Julie Maycock from Beamish Hall.

There is an incredible seven decades between the youngest and oldest shortlisted
superstars, from 18-year-old Daniel to 86-year-old Jimmy highlighting the brilliant work being
done by people of all ages in the tourism sector across County Durham.

Over the last decade, three individuals from County Durham have gone on to win the
national Tourism Superstar title: Emily Hope (Beamish Museum), Lillian Groves (Durham
Cathedral) and Matthew Henderson (Beamish Museum). Last year's winner, Wendy
Wilshere from Kynren, came second in the national final.

Duncan Peake, Chair of Visit County Durham, said: “It is fantastic to see such a high calibre
group of finalists being nominated for Durham Tourism Superstar 2025. All five of the
finalists play a key role within their organisations which are so important to the growth of the
tourism sector in County Durham. Jimmy is a fantastic ambassador for Raby Castle; he
promotes it at every opportunity. Well done, Jimmy. I would also like to congratulate the

other finalists and nominees. We now wish Jimmy well as our nominee for VisitEngland’s
National Tourism Superstar.”